Soon, competition turned fierce with more rivals offering superior USPs. Karizma ZMR with FI was introduced in 2009 and got some traction back in sales. As of now, Karizma is challenged by Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS, Pulsar 220, KTM Duke 200, Honda CBR 250 and Yamaha R15. Hero Motocorp’s recent launch of Karizma facelift is expected to regain some part of lost market share. We present an on-paper comparison of 2014 Karizma R, Karizma ZMR, Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS and KTM Duke 200.
First Impression – Karizma R and Karizma ZMR looks almost the same, with front fairing reminiscent of Bajaj Pulsar 220’s. Karizma hosts two projector headlamps placed vertically one over the other, with turn indicators positioned on either side of lower headlight. New clip-on handlebars, split seats, disjoint grab rails and new tail end design sporting LED brake light. Body panels and exhaust tip has been brushed up in 2014 Karizma models; rear tire is made wider.
Instrument cluster is retained, consisting of 3 pod console with analog tacho and speedometer. While 2014 Karizma manages to look like an amped up street bike, it cannot beat the beefy appeal of Pulsar 200 NS or the tangy and refreshing KTM Duke 200. Looks of Karizma’s bland fairing lies right in between full faired Yamaha R15 and almost naked 200 cc half brothers from Bajaj and KTM.
Engine and Ride – Same 223 cc motor is up-tuned in carburettor equipped 2014 Karizma R to produce 19.2 bhp of max. power at 7,500 rpm and 19.35 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. Fuel Injected Karizma ZMR produces 20 bhp max. power at 8,000 rpm and 19.7 Nm peak torque at 6,500 rpm. Pulsar 200 NS churns out higher max. power of 23.18 bhp @ 9500 rpm and peak torque of 18.3 Nm @ 8000 rpm. KTM ranks highest with significant power boost from Karizma. Max. power is 25 bhp @ 10,000 rpm and peak torque is 19.2 Nm @ 8,000 rpm.
KTM Duke 200 is the only bike here featuring USD (Up-Side Down) front fork, while Karizma is a loner without rear mono shock. All of them get both front and rear disc brakes, except Karizma R, which gets a rotor only on the front. Apart from FI (and higher power), Karizma ZMR can be differentiated from Karizma R by presence of rear disc brake.
Pricing – On road Mumbai price gradually steeps up in the order of Karizma R, Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS, Karizma ZMR and KTM Duke 200. Prices are Rs. 93,693, Rs. 98,063, Rs. 1,17,245 and Rs. 1,40,632 respectively. Check technical specifications and ex-showroom Delhi prices below.
| Specifications | Hero Karizma R | Hero Karizma ZMR | Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS | KTM Duke 200 |
| Engine | Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, OHC | Single Cylinder , 4- stroke, OHC | Single Cylinder , 4 – stroke, SOHC – 4V | Single Cylinder , 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 223 cc | 223 cc | 199.5 cc | 199.5 cc |
| Ignition system | Mono spark | Mono spark | Triple Spark | Triple Spark |
| Max Power | 19.2 bhp @ 7500 rpm | 20 bhp @ 8000 rpm | 23.18 bhp @ 9500 rpm | 25 bhp @ 10,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 19.35 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 19.7 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 18.3 Nm @ 8000 rpm | 19.2 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Fuel system | Carburetor | Electronic Fuel Injector | Carburetor | Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment |
| Cooling system | Air cooled | Oil cooled | Liquid Cooled | Liquid cooled, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump |
| Transmission | 5 speed | 5 speed | 6 speed | 6 speed |
| Max Speed | 126 kmph | 129 kmph | 135 kmph | NA |
| Chassis Frame | Diamond Type | Diamond Type | Pressed steel Perimeter Frame | Tubular space frame made from steel tubes, powder-coated |
| Kerb weight | 154 kg | 157 kg | 145 kg | 125 kg |
| Suspension Front | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Telescopic Front Fork with Anti-friction Bush | WP Suspension 4357,Up-Side Down Telescopic Fork |
| Suspension Rear | Swing Arm with 5 Step Adjustable Type Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Swing Arm with 5 Step Adjustable Type Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Mono suspension with nitrox | WP Suspension 4618 EM |
| Brakes Front | Disc, Dia 276 mm | Disc, Dia 276 mm | Petal Disc with floating caliper, Dia 280 mm | Disc brake with four-pot brake caliper, Dia 300 mm |
| Brakes Rear | Drum | Disc Dia 240 mm | Petal Disc with floating caliper, Dia 230 mm | Disc brake with one-pot brake caliper, floating brake discs, Dia 230 mm |
| Tyre Front | 80 / 100 x 18 – 47 P Tubeless | 80 / 100 x 18 – 47 P Tubeless | 100/80 – 17 – Tubeless | 110/70 R 17 M/C 54S TL |
| Tyre Rear | 120 / 80 x 18 – 62 P Tubeless | 120 / 80 x 18 – 62 P Tubeless | 130/70 – 17 – Tubeless | 150/60 R 17 M/C 66S TL |
| Rim Front | 18 x 1.85, DIE Cast Wheel | 18 x 1.85, AI Cast Wheel | Alloy | Alloy |
| Rim Rear | 18 x 2.75, DIE Cast Wheel | 18 x 2.15, AI Cast Wheel | Alloy | Alloy |
| Headlamp | 12 V -35 W / 35W – Halogen bulb (Dual Head Light) | 12 V -35 W / 35W – Halogen bulb (Dual Head Light) | H4 Bulb 55/60 W Bulb with 2 Pilot Lamps | NA |
| Fuel Tank | 15 litres | 15.3 litres | 12 litres | 11 litres |
| Price (ex-Delhi) | Rs. 81,826 | Rs. 1,02,100 | Rs. 87,720 | Rs. 1,30,787 I |
